Sunday, December 27, 2009

June, Rhymes With...

Continuing the 2009 movie list...

The Hangover: This was a surprise. I hadn't intended to see a film that day, found myself near a cinema, and saw this because it was playing next, so this was a very pleasant surprise. Instead of the usual stupid teen sex comedy, this was the story of four adult men getting themselves into the sort of trouble teenagers could never dream of. In gloriously bad taste, and honestly funny.

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3: Another instance of seeing a film because there was nothing better to do, and a considerably less rewarding one. A perfectly needless remake, redeemed by Denzel Washington's usual flawless work, some worthwhile performances by John Turturro and James Gandolfini, and the genuine New York City location filming. Nothing looks like NYC except NYC.

Moon: I enjoy science fiction films, and I see so few of them. Oh, I see plenty of films that take place in space, but so very few of them are actual science fiction. Moon was directed by Duncan Jones, on a very low budget, with a very small cast (95% of the film is Sam Rockwell interacting with a computer voiced by Kevin Spacey, and... Sam Rockwell). A film with big ideas and small budget, which proved that big ideas are what matters.

Whatever Works: The best film Woody Allen's made in ages. Benefits greatly by having Larry David play the part Allen typically plays. Terrific supporting cast as well, with Ed Begley Jr. and Michael McKean, and national treasure Patricia Clarkson.

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